Is it really THIS complicated??

[huntnful]

Just listened to this episode. Man they make BC seem extremely complicated in relation to actually hitting things.

I haven’t found it all that complicated out to 1200 yards. And certainly not at long range 600 yard hunting type stuff.

All my data entry/correcting is at sea level. And I almost always shoot at 1200 yards when I go up to elevation before I start hunting as well. My drops have never really given me any head scratching moments when corrected at sea level honestly.

And truing at 1200 yards, at least with a fast flying high BC bullet, hasn’t given me any issues when I walk it back in at 800 or 500 yards either.

I’ve used the 4 DOF entry and a large data muzzle velocity and not hit the middle plenty of times. Which only leave the MV for correction.

Seemed like something else for people to blame shit on when they don’t hit the target IMO lol

 

[justinspicher]

You can make anything as complicated as you want to sound educated……

 

[Macintosh]

Isnt bc really only (most) relevant around transsonic velocity? If so many (most?) cartridges arent there until past 1200 yards. Perhaps it’s somewhat cartridge specific in that regard?

 

[huntnful]

You can make anything as complicated as you want to sound educated……

That’s how it felt listening to it honestly.

Maybe some ELR 1 mile stuff that I have shot much.

But I shoot 0-1200 a decent amount and they made it sound like I’m lucky to hit within 2 MOA vertically if I use BC

 

[huntnful]

Isnt bc really only (most) relevant around transsonic velocity? If so many (most?) cartridges arent there until past 1200 yards. Perhaps it’s somewhat cartridge specific in that regard?

cartridge could certainly change things? That’s why I’m only confirming my findings with heavy for caliber bullets going 3000+fps.

Possibly truing a .308 at 1200 yards would lead to huge inconsistencies at 600 yards?

 

[hereinaz]

I love to learn the details and technical stuff. I don't miss inside 1200 yards because of the changes in BC over the flight of the bullet (which is a real thing, BC is based on velocity and spin). Look at Applied Ballistic, to "true" it, you have to shoot beyond that.

But, most of it doesn't matter a bit inside 500ish yards with centerfire. The BC is a value based on a model bullet. You can use either G1 (flat base bullet model) or G7 (pointed boat tail bullet model) well even out to transonic.

Besides, in this day and age, for long range bullets, you don't need BC.
You can get custom drag curves modeled after doppler radar analysis of the bullet. CDM in AB Elite devices from Applied Ballistics and 4DOF (free) from Hornady made using BC obsolete.

 

[Macintosh]

Inwould imagine high bc bullets at 3000fps you arent going transsonic until well past 1200 yards. But I really dont know. I was always told to true velocity first somewhere between 800 yards and somewhat below transsonic, then to true BC just barely before transsonic. I think. Frankly, its been a while since Ive trued bc and Im not a source anyone should listen to on this topic, Im just curious.
Edit—as az said, my understanding is that true bc CHANGES with velocity, so truing bc was a way to create something closer to a drag curve. Perhaps I havent done it bc ive been using AB for several years!

 

[WKR]

Seemed like one big advertisement for their 4dof stuff.

 

[eLightfoot]

I don’t rely on any calculators really. I set 8” gongs from 350 to 900 yards. Shoot each one a few times and record the dope/mils. Then make a dope card and tape it to rifle. Shoot at the same elevation I hunt. The ballistic calculators I’ve used are always a few tenths off for me

 

[SloppyJ]

I always true velocity at 600yds then BC to 1000 and walk it back in to check. Haven't had an issue yet.

 

[huntnful]

I always true velocity at 600yds then BC to 1000 and walk it back in to check. Haven't had an issue yet.

Basically what I do as well. But I just go straight to 1000-1200 and just do the BC. It lines up well at all closer yardages from what I’ve seen

 

[Wrench]

Kestrel will tell you optimal truing distance. It varies with the rifle combination.

 

[huntnful]

Kestrel will tell you optimal truing distance. It varies with the rifle combination.

Oh that’s actually pretty cool.

Is the optimal truing distance relative to your intended max range? Or just a general yardage?